Indie watch: These are the best indie games of 2015

Indie games are like a box of chocolates: you never know what you're gonna get.

Now, that might be a repurposed Forrest Gump quote that we used because, quite frankly, we love Tom Hanks more than any sane person should [um, not all of us - ed], but honestly, it's true.

In fact, when it comes to indie games there's so much choice on the market right now that it can be difficult to know where to focus your attentions. It's an overwhelming, herculean task, which is exactly why we've spent the last few weeks doing the hard work for you.

So, grab a pen and paper and take note, because here are 11 indie titles that every gamer needs to know about.

1. No Man's Sky

Remember when sci-fi didn't rely on a grey palette and space marines to seem interesting? The folks over at Hello Games do, which is why they're tapping into the bold retro-futurism of the '60s and '70s to create an open-universe exploration game quite unlike anything we've seen before.

Harkening back to the good ol' days, when space was a vibrant frontier begging to be explored, No Man's Sky promises to inject some optimism into the void by challenging players to take to the stars and forge their own destiny.

2. Firewatch

We know looks can be deceiving, but right now it's hard to think of any reason why Campo Santo's debut effort, Firewatch, will be anything other than a resounding success.

Set in the romantic, impossibly gorgeous Wyoming wilderness, Firewatch is a stylised adventure title steeped in mystery. Inviting players to wander through a rich, golden wilderness with only the voice at the other end of a radio for company, this is a game which places solitude and story above all else.

Release date: TBC 2015

3. Volume

The follow up to indie darling Mike Bithell's breakout hit, Thomas Was Alone, Volume sees the developer leave the world of 2D platforming behind in a bid to bring the legend of Robin Hood to the 21st century.

This time around Bithell has upped the ante in every possible way, combining viral marketing campaigns with uniquely minimalist design, stealth-orientated gameplay, and the talents of Andy Serkis - yes, Sméagol himself - to fend off that dreaded second-album-syndrome slump.

4. Rime

What can only be described as the lovechild of Ico and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Tequila Works' PlayStation exclusive Rime looks set to follow in the footsteps of Flower, Journey, Rain, and Unfinished Swan to become another one of Sony's art house classics.

The story of a young boy stranded on a mystical island, Rime is overflowing with ambience and intoxicating charm. We just hope there's enough substance behind all that style.

Release date: TBC 2015

5. INSIDE

Those of you who tackled Playdead's debut effort Limbo way back in 2010 will know the team has a penchant for the stranger, more twisted, things in life.

What you might not know is that, after five long years, the Danish developer is back with INSIDE, an equally morbid platformer that promises to serve up another heartwarming tale of misery, woe. and immeasurable despair. Sounds like fun, right?